1991 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (223 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | SZ | 850 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
